![]() His objective with each piece is to use at least 80 percent of the yardage, and he typically uses more. Computer-aided-design (CAD) software and a digital cutting system enable him to create patterns and layouts that are as efficient as possible. ![]() He embraces synthetics for their comfort, ease of care, and because many are made of recycled materials. His fabric is sourced in small batches from manufacturers’ overruns, which might otherwise be wasted. In his manufacturing work, Neville aims for sustainability whenever he can. He enjoys sharing his experience as a fashion designer with the students. He also welcomes school groups to his studio when it fits into his busy schedule. Neville has curated the show for nine years and has featured models of different sizes and body types. One project central to Neville’s community work is New Haven’s annual Project STYLE Fashion Show, which raises funds to combat homelessness. You give and you get so much back from it,” he says. “Giving back is sort of like a boomerang. Neville’s sense of community starts with New Haven and broadens to encompass environmental stewardship on a global scale. From those 100 things I can build hundreds more designs.” Community and sustainability “I hate it every time I do it,” he says of the challenge, “but I love it also because being able to create 100 things is awesome. Neville posts a picture daily of a new garment design on his Instagram feed, as proof he is on track. ![]() Neville devised the challenge because he felt overwhelmed by the business part of his studio and wanted to get back to his passion: designing. Some days, he sews two, three, or even five pieces for the challenge. He calls it “100 Designs in 100 Days.” though it does not need to be one design every day. ![]() In early 2018, Neville created a yearly challenge for himself that is designed to force creativity. I saw this cool pant that I haven’t made yet,” Neville says, admitting that he would like to make it soon so the design doesn’t get lost. He could only glance at her quickly while driving, but in a look, his mind reinterpreted her outfit into a new design. He shares a memory of driving down the road one day and seeing a woman out of the corner of his eye. Sometimes, Neville’s inspiration just comes to him. Mannequins in bright, fashionable looks attract customers to Neville’s storefront. Often, his clothes feature classic silhouettes with unexpected design elements such as seams, darts, or drapes that keep the garments looking fresh. “Coming up with unique ways of making clothes is also very much a part of my aesthetic,” Neville says. Part of him loves clean lines, but he also likes to create clothes that are fun and interesting. Neville describes his design aesthetic as a duality. When he really has no idea what to create, Neville has one foolproof method: “I close my eyes and use my scissors to just cut and then whatever shape that is, I’ll weave it into something.” He plays with a fabric to see what it wants to do. When asked what his creative process is like, Neville explains that it varies. It’s so much fun, but it makes you dizzy sometimes.” Approach to design “I do it for the end, and then I want to experience it all again, like a dog chasing its tail. While the sewing process is therapeutic, he admits that he relishes finishing a garment. Sewing is a way for Neville to center himself while working through finances, designs, or whatever else is in his head. It’s about mindfulness and taking the time to sort through his thoughts. “The process of sewing and stitching fabric together is very therapeutic for me,” he says. “My mother made clothes for us, but I didn’t really love the clothes that she was making,” he says, “I wanted to make my own stuff.”įor him, sewing is not simply about a craft or about creating something. Growing up in Jamaica, Neville developed an interest in sewing thanks in part to his mother. Check out Neville’s technique for matching plaids across the front of a garment in Threads #204 (Aug./Sept. Threads visited Neville in his studio and storefront to discover more about his design process. The effect is one of welcoming, creative energy. Paintings from local artists hang on the walls, and mannequins decked out in his latest designs pose in the windows. His business, Neville Wisdom LLC, offers custom garments, tailoring, and cutting services. He designs clothes for women of all sizes and shapes in New Haven, Connecticut. Self-taught designer Neville Wisdom is dedicated to ethical, sustainable, and affordable fashion.
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